How Did The Whole World React When Saddam Hussain Was Executed?
World political and religious leaders were divided over whether Saddam Hussein’s execution served as a milestone towards peace or motivation for further conflict in the Middle East. Some key US allies expressed discomfort at the execution, which was roundly condemned by major human rights groups who argued that Saddam’s trial had been deeply flawed. Russia, which opposed the March 20, 2003, invasion to oust the dictator, and the Vatican both expressed regret at the hanging which some Muslim leaders said would exacerbate the violence in Iraq. Britain, the main US ally in Iraq, said Saddam had been “held to account” but reiterated its opposition to the use of the death penalty, as did Australia, another key supporter of the U S invasion. British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett welcomed the fact that Saddam had been tried by an Iraqi court “for at least some of the appalling crimes” he committed against the Iraqi people. Australia’s Foreign Minister Alexander Downer voiced similar rese
